Tag Archives: Loans

Loans

L&C Customers Save £5.9M In Broker Fees

The mortgage market has changed out of all recognition in the last 18 months and borrowers are ever more keen to seek quality advice without incurring a heavy cost for that advice. Mortgage arrangement fees have soared in recent years and with some broker fees amounting to as much as 1% of the mortgage amount on top, borrowers cannot ignore their impact.

“Fee-free, whole of market advice coupled with quality service from application to completion has been central to borrowers choosing L&C. With mortgage availability restricted the last thing our borrowers want to face is another fee. That’s why we are maintaining our commitment to fee-free mortgage advice”, commented David Hollingworth at L&C.

Borrowers seeking fee-free advice should call 0800 373300. Saving in broker fee calculated based on a fee of £250 per mortgage.

London & Country Mortgages Ltd is the country’s leading whole of market no-fee mortgage broker and submitted in excess of £4bn of mortgages to over 70 lenders in 2008.

L&C has won numerous awards including:

Best Mortgage IFA/Adviser of the Year – Money Marketing, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008
Best Technology Adviser – Money Marketing 2007
Best Mortgage Broker outside London – Mortgage Strategy, 2004 and 2005
Best National Broker – Mortgage Introducer 2005, 2006 and 2007
Best Overall Broker – Mortgage Introducer 2005
Overall broker of the year – Pink Home Loans, 2006 and 2007,2008
Top 100 company in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for 2004 and 2005
Business of the Year – The Bath Business Awards 2005

Growth Strategy of the Year – National Business Awards (Wales and West) 2008
Business Leader (Broker) – British Mortgage Awards – 2008
Online Mortgage IFA of the Year – Financial Adviser – 2008

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Following the huge popularity of Barclaycard’s waterslide advert, the credit card provider has created an online game to help promote their contactless payment method

The waterslide game sets users a time limit in which to complete a puzzle to ensure the smooth and safe arrival of the game’s character as he travels through a city using a waterslide.

The game is based on the waterslide advert that sees an office worker cut out the hassle of public transport on his way home as he takes a shortcut by getting a waterslide directly to his house. The video has proved popular on the internet, with more than 1.3 million views and a further 60,000 views for the ‘Making of…’ video.

The waterslide advert highlights the new contactless credit card available from Barclaycard. This card allows holders to make payments of up to £10 quickly and securely, saving shoppers the hassle of searching for small change. Pre-installed technology on the card means it only needs to be pressed against a secure reader to be activated. There are currently 3000 readers in London and another 3000 nationwide, with the numbers steadily growing.

PIN details will need to be entered occasionally to help protect against fraud and any payments made that are more than £10 will also require the cardholder to enter their PIN, meaning shoppers will have 100% fraud protection on contactless transactions.*

Contactless credit cards, such as the Barclaycard OnePulse, can also come with an inbuilt Oyster card for easy use on London’s transport system.

The waterslide emphasizes the smooth, fast transactions afforded to the holder by the new contactless credit card and the online game acts as a gateway to a large collection of information about the new card – with safety and usage tips available.

*Cardholder will be liable if they, or any additional cardholder, gives or provides access to the card, account or PIN details which results in those details being used fraudulently.

About Barclaycard
Barclaycard is a multi-brand credit card and loans business which also processes card payments for retailers and merchants and issues charge and credit cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard is one of Europe’s leading credit card businesses and has an increasing presence in the United States.

In the UK, Barclaycard comprises Barclaycard, Sky Card, Thomas Cook and Argos branded credit cards and FIRSTPLUS secured lending. Barclaycard also manages card operations on behalf of Solution Personal Finance.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Barclaycard has announced it is to freeze its rates for existing customers, as well as offering a reduced APR for new Barclaycard Platinum and Barclaycard OnePulse customers

Barclaycard is freezing the prices for all its UK personal customers for at least the next four months. Although committed to the principle of risk based pricing, Barclaycard has decided to suspend the process to help its customers, meaning no individual will have their purchase interest rate increased until at least June due to the change in their risk profile.

At least three million UK Barclaycard customers will benefit from the freeze in rates, with purchase interest rates being reduced by between 2.5% and 5%. Selected customers will be informed directly of the change, with half of these reductions being implemented in February and the remaining taking place throughout the year. These customers have been identified as having a low risk profile and they include both those who clear their account regularly and customers who borrow.

As well as freezing rates for its existing customers, Barclaycard has reduced the headline APR for its flagship Barclaycard Platinum credit card (the most popular card in the company’s portfolio) and Barclaycard OnePulse (the combined credit, contactless and Oyster card) by 2.5% to 12.4% for new customers. In addition, Barclaycard will continue to offer a full range of cards to new customers, depending on individual circumstances and needs.

Barclaycard has also established a new helpline for customers concerned about their financial situation. Those who believe that they may get into difficulty can talk directly to an expert and receive practical support and advice by calling the helpline number available in the credit card guidance section of the Barclaycard website.

By using behavioural data shared with other credit card lenders and additional information about the total borrowings of customers, Barclaycard can now able to predict accurately when customers may be getting into difficulty, and the company is launching a programme of contacting customers who are showing potential signs of financial difficulty before they miss payments, offering support and advice to individuals as soon as possible.

Barclaycard has committed not to contact customers for up to two months to seek payment if they are actively working with the free money advice sector to sort out their financial difficulties. Continuous training of collections advisors is being undertaken to ensure that all customers in difficulty are treated with compassion, empathy and respect. Barclaycard has also committed £4.3 million over the next three years to the company’s flagship community initiative Horizons, which it launched in 2005. Working with three charity partners, including Citizens Advice, the additional money will enable Horizons to support 450,000 lone parents and their children to deal with financial hardship and build their skills for a brighter future through a programme of debt advice, financial literacy training, grants and an employability programme.

Antony Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barclaycard, said: “We recognise that 2009 is going to be a difficult year for many people and we want to do what we can, when we can, to help Barclaycard’s customers.

“Today’s announcement will assist millions of our customers and we are determined to support them further, in innovative ways, over the coming months.”

Barclaycard Platinum, APR of 12.4% with 0% BT for 12 months (3.0% BT fee applies) and 0% on purchases for 3 months.

Barclaycard OnePulse, APR of 12.4% with 0% BT for 12 months (3.0% BT fee applies) and 5% cash-back on Transport for London spend plus 0.5% on all other spends until the end of 2009.

About Barclaycard:
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global and Retail Commercial Banking division, is a leading global payments business which understands the needs of both purchasers and sellers. It enables retailers and merchants to accept cards, helps customers make payments through card, contactless and mobile applications as well as extending credit to consumers. In addition to the UK, Barclaycard operates in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle and Far East.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Many receiving a tax refund see it as “free money”. But when used wisely it can be a way to catch up on bills and set up future financial success

Receiving a tax refund can be nice in tough economic times, providing service members and families with extra money they may not have anticipated. Often, those receiving a tax refund see it as “free money” they can use to splurge on items they might not otherwise afford. But when used wisely it can be a way to catch up on bills and set up future financial success.

Pioneer Services’ newest article, Making your tax refund work for you, provides detailed suggestions on what to do with a tax refund. The article focuses on debt reduction and long-term solutions, and is suggested reading not just for military families, but for anyone getting money back from the Internal Revenue Service this year.

“Very few people enjoy paying taxes, but many enjoy getting some of it back,” said Laura Stack, chief financial officer for Pioneer Services and author of the article. “Early filers will soon start receiving their tax refunds, and it’s important for their financial health to use it wisely.”

You can read the complete article over here.

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services, personal loans, and award-winning financial education to members of the Armed Forces. For more than 20 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, and supports military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

 

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

To Meet The Massive Demand For Loan Modification Services, The Parsa Law Group Ramps Up

As the foreclosure crisis in reaches epic proportions, the nation’s leading provider of legal loan modifications and loan workout services, the Parsa Law Group and its marketing arm, the National Loan Modification Center, have tripled the size of their operation in the month of January with an additional 4 attorneys, 40 support staff and over 10,000 square feet of office space.

The Parsa Law Group provides professional legal representation for those wishing to renegotiate an existing mortgage with their lender. The ultimate goal of the service is to avoid foreclosure and keep people in their home. The on-site team of attorneys and staff has helped thousands of homeowners who are facing financial hardship, have a mortgage that is upside down, or are stuck with an ARM/Interest-only mortgage they can no longer afford by stopping foreclosure, reducing their monthly mortgage payments, adjusting the principal on their mortgage, working out a modified loan with a lower fixed interest rate, and getting any missed mortgage payments tacked on to the end of their loan.

“For me this is a mission to help as many homeowners as possible stay in their homes. It’s such a shame when we see so many people that were taken advantage of with loans that were not explained to them fully or when you have someone that is about to lose their house and entire life’s savings because someone lied to them outright, or because they lost their job, or are simply going through rough financial times like so many other Americans. With the banks out to save themselves with billions in bonuses, and refusing to free up credit markets with the bailout money, a line has clearly been drawn, and we have chosen to be on the side of struggling homeowners.” said James Parsa, Lead Attorney at the Parsa Law Group / National Loan Modification Center.

“It’s been a quite challenge to keep up with the explosive growth of this area of our business,” says Mike Ponzillo, Director of Operations at the Parsa Law Group / National Loan Modification Center “we are literally hiring people every week because the calls keep coming in and every single case we negotiate with a lender requires a huge commitment of staff hours and resources on our end.”

Kelly Sneed, Marketing Manager at the National Loan Modification Center, said “Since we started this service it has been an ongoing effort from a marketing standpoint to get the word out about Loan Modifications as an alternative to foreclosure. A few months ago people didn’t know what a Loan Modification or a Loan Workout was, or how it could help them save their home.”

The Parsa Law Group together with its marketing arm, the National Loan Modification Center, is the Nation’s Leading Legal Loan Modification Provider, with thousands of homes saved. With an on-site team of attorneys and professionals that fight to save homes from foreclosure, reduce mortgage payments, and hold lenders accountable for unfair or fraudulent loans, the Parsa Law Group is the staunch legal ally that struggling homeowners need in these difficult times.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

There are reasons the recent base rate cuts have not led loan providers to slash the interest charged on secured loans, as financial solutions provider Think Money points out

Following the recent spate of rate cuts, financial solutions provider Think Money raised a few points about the secured loans market.

Melanie Taylor, Head of Corporate Relations at Think Money: “In just three months, the Bank of England’s base rate dropped from 5% to just 1.5%, prompting substantial changes in the mortgage market – but not in the secured loans market. Many people have questioned this: if mortgage lenders can lower their rates, they ask, why are loans providers seemingly unwilling or unable to do the same?

“The answer lies in the differences between the mortgage market and the secured loan market. Both deal with secured credit and so depend heavily on trends in the housing market as well as the availability of credit, but the two markets are fundamentally different.

“First – and perhaps foremost – a secured loan is a second charge. If a property ends up being repossessed, repayment of the first charge (the mortgage) will always take priority over repayment of the second charge. So from the lender’s perspective, a secured loan is simply more risky than a mortgage – and greater risk has always been accompanied by higher interest charges.”

Committed to the principles of treating customers fairly, lenders will enter into possession proceedings only as a last resort, but the ‘second charge’ issue is still very much a factor in today’s economic climate, with the Council of Mortgage Lenders predicting 75,000 repossessions this year, and no clear indication of when we’ll see a recovery in the housing market.

“Second, it’s clear that the Government’s initiatives aimed at keeping people in their homes are focusing on mortgages, not secured loans. Government help is welcome, as it could help homeowners and limit the damage to the housing market, but this focus on mortgages does add to the difference between mortgages and secured loans, in terms of risk to the lender.”

At the same time, the secured loans market is being adversely affected by the same issues currently plaguing the mortgage market – primarily, the shortage of wholesale funding and the ongoing drop in property prices.

“It’s a common misconception that the base rate dictates the cost of wholesale credit, but this is simply not the case. As the Council of Mortgage Lenders has stated: ‘the cost of funds to lenders depends not on Bank rate, but on a range of other factors, including what they have to pay savers to attract deposits, how much it costs them to borrow in money markets, and the costs of holding capital and sufficient liquidity’.

“Falling house prices, meanwhile, have made lenders much more cautious about granting either secured loans or mortgages. Most analysts seem to expect prices to bottom out after falling another 10% or so this year, but there’s no guarantee this will happen, or that the subsequent recovery in prices will be either immediate or rapid.

This explains why most lenders are reluctant to offer mortgages or secured loans which would leave the homeowner with less than 20% equity. After all, a property worth £200,000 today could be worth £150,000 this time next year. It’s a worrying thought for the homeowner, but also for the lender, who might find a portion of their loan isn’t actually secured against anything – at least, not until property prices rise again.”

Think Money specialises in finding secured loans for people with all kinds of financial backgrounds. If you are thinking about getting a secured loan – or looking for loan advice – contact one of our expert loan advisers today.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

 

Debt Advisers Direct remind consumers with debt problems of the importance of seeking debt advice early on, before their finances are further affected by the recession

Commenting on the nation’s economic troubles, Debt Advisers Direct stressed the importance of seeking debt advice in time, before debt problems can escalate out of control.

“Whatever the economic climate, it always makes sense to address debts at the first sign of trouble,” said a spokesperson for the company. “During times of economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever.

“The problems in the housing market alone pose a significant threat to the livelihoods of people in all walks of life. What was initially seen as an issue for estate agents has grown to affect builders, movers, decorators, furniture stores and so on – after months of negative news from companies directly linked to the housing market, we’re now hearing of problems in a much wider range of industries.

“With so many either out of work or facing the possibility of unemployment, people are spending less and problems in the housing industry are spilling over into the high street, placing even more jobs at risk – at a time when new employment may be hard to find.

“Coping with a period of reduced income is never easy, but people with high levels of debt are far more likely to experience financial problems almost as soon as their income drops.

“This underlines the need to tackle debt problems sooner, rather than later. Many people with smaller debt problems may find a chat with a debt adviser could help them get on top of their finances without making any major lifestyle changes. Once the adviser understands their financial circumstances, they should be able to provide some budgeting advice and suggest practical ways of reducing their level of debt.

“When it comes to more serious financial problems, however, many people are put off by the sheer size of their debts. Someone who owes tens of thousands of pounds may not feel there’s anything they can do to make an appreciable ‘dent’ in their debts.”

In most cases this is unlikely to be true: “However much they owe, they may still have a range of options, depending on their circumstances. A debt consolidation mortgage, for example, could be right for someone who wants to reduce their monthly outgoings and simplify their finances, while an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) could help someone who literally can’t keep up with their debt repayments – and who can’t realistically expect to repay their debts in a reasonable timeframe.

“We were very pleased to see the emphasis which the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report placed on debt advice – the Government is dedicating more than £15 million of additional funding to ensure people can access debt advice when they need it. Similarly, we were pleased to see certain credit card providers and mortgage lenders extending a ‘grace period’ to people who fall behind on their repayments.

“Even so, we remind borrowers how important it is to talk to a debt adviser before things reach the stage where they’re missing payments of any kind: taking steps to tackle their debt today is virtually certain to improve their chances of getting through the recession with their finances in a good state.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

PLoans4You.com is an internet payday loan service

An efficient service for payday loans and cash advances surfacing on the map of the World Wide Web, Ploans4You.com offers a system of swift online application and approval processes for loans up to $1,500.

The service is based on the simple concept of payday loans for people in need of swiftly borrowing funds. While the sum provided per loan (anywhere from $100 to $1,500) is relatively small, it perfectly reflects the idea and simplicity behind the PLoans4You.com online loan service.

For those unaware, payday loans consist of relatively small sums borrowed swiftly for urgent needs on a short-term basis. Such a cash advance is deposited into the recipient’s bank account and retrieved from there on a later set date to repay the debt. This allows the loan taker to deal with whatever emergency situations might arise with urgent cash needs. The site provides an online approval process that entails signing up online and awaiting authorisation. A steady monthly income is all that is required to receive approval, upon which the loan will be transferred to the recipient’s specified bank account in a matter of minutes. As such, just about anyone with a job and bank account is free to make use of this service.

Working with a wide array of payday loan lenders, Ploans4You.com matches loan requests with lenders capable of providing such loans based on a number of criteria, ensuring a fair transaction and trustworthy loan process from start to finish. Furthermore, the service requires a very limited range of documents, and unlike many other online loan services, provides swift and reliable support so that clients can always get in touch with the service and vice-versa.

The modern day world can be relentless and unforgiving when it comes to financial troubles, but despite any possible restrictions, Ploans4You.com staff work diligently to find a way for every loan recipient to receive the loan they seek. Operating with small sums means working specifically to aid regular people with average incomes in their cash-related troubles, be it paying the bills or any other short-term needs.

About PLoans4You.com
PLoans4You.com is an internet payday loan service. We offer our customers payday loans and cash advances when they need it most since 2007.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Okehampton Online Payday Loan Website To Assist More Customers In Obtaining Cash On Demand

OkeHampton Payday Loans, located online at OkeHampton.net, recently launched their online payday loan website to assist more customers in obtaining cash on demand. Customers who use the OkeHampton Payday Loan service are now able to complete a short application process 24-hours a day, 7 days a week in order to secure up to $2500 in loan funds.

With the recent controversies surrounding payday loan services, the OkeHampton Pay-day Loans website also provides educational resources to its clients in an effort to pre-vent payday loan abuse.

Founder of the Payday Loans website, Gregory Applebee stated, “Companies often allow payday loan clients to grossly abuse the services in a way that makes it impossi-ble for the loan to ‘help’ their economic situation. Our website stresses that a payday loan service shouldn’t be abused. We have found that when used at the right times, a payday loan actually saves our clients large amounts of money in bounced checks or late fees.”

The decision to go online with the website was an effort to reduce overall company costs while increasing the overall amount allotted to each customer. Payday Loans Positives It also allowed the OkeHampton company to extend its normal operation hours to accommodate clients that required services beyond the standard 9-5 Eastern Standard Time operating hours.

“OkeHampton understands that most of our clients need money fast for emergency situations that can’t wait until 9am to solve and those that don’t always occur before 5pm. With our new site, we focus on getting clients the information and the funds they need, when they need them”, Applebee states.

The website includes Payday Loans FAQ a Frequently Asked Questions section which points out not only the positives of payday loan services but also the negatives. The purpose of the FAQ is to make payday loans aware of the dangers of improper use of the loan service. For example, it shows the a comparison between using the service weekly versus using the service every other month. In addition, customers with questions are encouraged to contact the OkeHampton customer service department for clarification of terms and of-ferings.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Think Money is the first company in the North West to be awarded the FSSC ‘Accreditation of Training Excellence for Firms’

Financial solutions provider Think Money has been awarded the ‘Accreditation of Training Excellence for Firms’ by the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC). It’s official recognition that the company’s training programme delivers real benefits: excellent service for customers and valuable skills for employees.

The company benefits too, of course. Excellent training means employees do a better job, but that’s not all: this accreditation also shows the company’s regulators how good Think Money’s training programme is.

Phil Robertson, Head of Staff Development at Think Money: “Training and development are absolutely vital to a company like ours – and so is recruitment. That’s another reason we’re so pleased to be the first in the North West to receive this kind of recognition from the FSSC. A lot of bright people want to work in financial services. They’re looking for a company that’ll give them a career, not just a job, and this accreditation provides cast-iron proof that this is what Think Money provides.”

But the FSSC doesn’t just recognise excellence. It also provides advice, ideas and information. It helps companies improve their training programmes even further, pointing out exactly where they need to work harder and where they could learn from examples of ‘best practice’ throughout the financial industry.

As Phil puts it: “There’s always room for improvement. We’d already met the ‘Investors in People’ standard. We’ve been one of the Sunday Times’ ‘Best 100 Companies to Work for’ for the last two years. Earning the FSSC’s ‘Accreditation of Training Excellence for Firms’ proves that we’re dedicated to continuous improvement. It’s what we expect of our staff – and it’s what they expect of us.”

Since its creation in 2006, the following eight organisations had been awarded the accreditation:

> Aon Ltd Reinsurance
> Chelsea Building Society
> Financial Services Authority
> Friends Provident UK Distribution
> Hoodless Brennan plc
> Jupiter Unit Trust Managers Limited
> Norwich Union Life
> Nsure Financial Services Limited

About Think Money
One of the UK’s leading financial solutions providers, Think Money is headquartered in Salford Quays, Manchester, and employs around 600 employees to deliver a comprehensive range of debt, loan and banking solutions. It defines its mission as ‘To educate, rehabilitate and advise on all aspects of financial management’.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Think Money Have Emphasised The Importance Of Good Future Planning With Regard To Interest-Only Mortgages

Responding to the news that over a million homebuyers have been offered interest-only mortgages with no savings plan to repay the remaining mortgage debt, financial solutions company Think Money have advised all homeowners on interest-only mortgages to carefully consider their plan of action for the future, adding that failure to do so could result in significant financial hardship later in life.

LV= estimate there to be around 2.9 million interest-only mortgages active in the UK. Of these, the report claims that 1.3 million – accounting for £74 billion of mortgages – have no specific savings plan in place to pay off their remaining mortgage debt once the interest-only period expires.

That means that around 45% of interest-only mortgages carry no specific capital repayment plan. LV= claim that 41% of these homeowners are relying on rising property value and cashing in equity to pay off the remaining mortgage capital, while 21% plan on using other investments.

More worryingly, 13% of respondents said that they did not know how they would pay off their remaining mortgage capital, while 12% said they hadn’t given the matter any thought.

Mike Rogers, LV= Group Chief Executive, commented that the previously booming housing market led many interest-only mortgage holders to believe the increased equity in their home at the end of the interest-only period would enable them to repay the mortgage, adding: “Many of the homeowners we polled appear to have an over-optimistic outlook on their ability to pay off their mortgage capital at the end of the term. Or worse still they are turning a blind eye to the issue.”

A mortgage expert for Think Money was quick to warn of the dangers of such an attitude towards interest-only mortgages. “There are two main ideas behind interest-only mortgages. Some homeowners simply want to reduce their mortgage payments in the short term to free up extra funds – after which normal (but slightly higher) mortgage payments resume.

“Others choose to go interest-only for the entire mortgage duration – typically 25 years – in which case the matter of repaying the remaining mortgage capital requires more in-depth planning. It would appear that this is an area which many interest-only mortgage holders have failed to address.

“The advantage of such long-term interest-only mortgages is that it allows control – the homeowner is responsible for saving towards the final mortgage repayment, and they can choose to pay more or less each month if necessary. But this is something which requires great discipline, and it also relies on the homeowner’s finances staying relatively consistent for the duration of the mortgage.

“The safest way to run an interest-only mortgage is to agree a capital repayment plan alongside the mortgage – or, at the very least, make frequent, substantial deposits into a savings account. Relying on increased equity or other investments are potentially risky, and could result in the mortgage holder losing their home at the end of the interest-only period.”

The Think Money spokesperson also emphasised the importance of professional mortgage advice before making any decisions about mortgages.

“Speaking to a mortgage adviser who knows the market can ensure that the homebuyer is well prepared and fully understands what is involved. That’s especially important with interest-only mortgages, as it’s a matter of the homeowner’s future financial security.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

US Mortgage, a diversified mortgage products and services provider that offers net branch affiliate programs, commented today about how mortgage rates held even despite last week’s historic changes, which has resulted in a time for consumers to take advantage of historically low interest rates

In a time of historic changes last week in the US financial markets, mortgage interest rates held pretty much even across the board. With the market making the largest one-day drop in decades and also one of the largest one day gains in a long time to mention nothing of the historic $700 billion bailout package, the country would have expected something to happen with mortgage rates. Instead, the country experienced the smallest changes in mortgage rates it’s seen all year.

US MortgageMany experts think the markets reacted somewhat positively to the bailout but at the same time the economic outlook has soured. Additionally, the initial positive reaction to the bailout has softened as some have started to question whether the bailout will actually work. Subsequently, in a week of unprecedented changes in the mortgage industry, mortgage rates didn’t move an inch.

“Despite all the historic moves economic moves as of late,” added Frank Kuri, Vice President of Net Branch Development at US Mortgage Corp.,“there has never been a better time to take advantage of historically low interest rates. Our net branch affiliates are ready to help our customers leverage these opportune times.”

About US Mortgage
Headquartered in Pine Brook, NJ, US Mortgage is a licensed mortgage banker founded in 1996. US Mortgage’s owners and principals founded West Jersey Community Bank, a de novo corporation, prior to the incorporation of US Mortgage. Sharing the vision of a national, multi-platform, mortgage banking organization, the company subsequently broadened the business with the formation of CU National Mortgage, a national provider of transparent mortgage services for credit unions; US Capital Markets, a secondary market resource to investors and sellers; Icon Residential Capital, a national wholesale lender and BranchLink, the branch affiliate program that is bringing US Mortgage to locations throughout the United States.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

The latest report from the Insolvency Service shows a rapid rise in the numbers of people being declared insolvent

Commenting on statistics from the Insolvency Service showing a sharp rise in insolvencies, both over the last quarter and over the past year, Debt Advisers Direct have said that it is now more important than ever for people to get their finances in order and tackle any debt problems as soon as possible.

Commenting on new statistics showing an increase in the number of personal insolvencies in the third quarter of 2008, Debt Advisers Direct (www.debtadvisersdirect.co.uk) have said that this is further confirmation of the difficulties faced by many British households due to rising inflation and worsening economic conditions, and have emphasised the importance of good debt advice as the economy faces a recession.

The latest report from the Insolvency Service shows a rapid rise in the numbers of people being declared insolvent. Between July and September there were 27,087 personal insolvencies, an 8.8% increase on the previous quarter. It was also 4.6% higher than the number of insolvencies reported a year earlier.

Despite falling in the second quarter of the year, bankruptcies were up 12.1% over the quarter. IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements), meanwhile, were up 3.3% over the quarter.

A spokesperson for Debt Advisers Direct said: “Higher costs of living and the credit crunch have put a lot of pressure on British households’ finances this year, so we expected to see a rise in personal insolvencies over the course of this year.

“However, the extent of the rise in insolvencies shows the seriousness of the problems we are facing – and highlights the need to tackle debt problems early, before they become unmanageable..”

The Insolvency Service report also showed that despite the quarterly rise, IVAs were down by 3.1% compared with the same period last year – with The Telegraph concluding that it may be becoming more difficult to enter into an IVA.

“There are a few possible reasons why the number of IVAs may be lower than this time last year,” the spokesperson commented. “It may simply be that more people are taking the bankruptcy route, perhaps because they are unaware that an IVA can avoid many of the downsides of bankruptcy.

“IVAs are usually considered a preferable alternative to bankruptcy. People on IVAs do not lose control of their assets, unlike bankruptcy, and they typically carry fewer restrictions.

“The rise in IVAs over the quarter shows that lenders still consider it a valid means of reclaiming some of the money they are owed – and it remains that if you are in significant debt, an IVA can be a very useful way of getting debt-free.”

The Debt Advisers Direct spokesperson was keen to emphasise the importance of tackling debts before they grow unmanageable. “For anyone struggling with debt, there are a number of ways out. With a recession approaching, it’s important that people do not feel powerless, and that they tackle the issue head-on.

“There are a number of debt solutions, such as debt consolidation and debt management plans, that can help people to stop their debts growing before they become unmanageable. We advise anyone with debt problems to seek professional advice at the first sign of trouble.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

 

Debt Advisers Direct have warned that the squeeze on incomes could become tighter in the coming months

Debt Advisers Direct have responded to findings that Britons’ disposable incomes have fallen by nearly 30% on average in the past two years, warning that the pressure on incomes could increase as the economic crisis progresses, and have advised consumers to take care of any debts as soon as possible.

Responding to research by Abbey Credit Cards claiming that British citizens have seen their disposable income fall by nearly 30% during the past two years,Debt Advisers Direct have warned that the squeeze on incomes could become tighter in the coming months, and have advised consumers to take care of any financial issues, especially outstanding debts, as soon as possible.

According to the research, the average household now has only 25% – around £382 – of their monthly income left after essential costs such as mortgage payments and energy bills have been paid.

That figure is down from £541 in disposable income available to British households just two years ago – a 29% fall.

The research also claims that one in ten spend 90% of their income on bills and other essential costs, leaving only 10% as disposable income.

On average, British households were spending 7.4% of their total income on repaying debts, not including mortgages, the research claimed.

Meanwhile, an average 24% went towards mortgage or rent payments, 17% on household bills, 16% on food, and 8% on transport costs.

British incomes have been put under pressure on two fronts throughout the economic crisis, with costs of living such as energy bills and food prices rising rapidly, and the credit crunch limiting access to additional funds in the form of loans and mortgages.

The effects have been tangible, with overall retail sales gradually declining over the year, and profits for ‘budget stores’ increasing – a sign that consumers’ perceived priorities are shifting as their disposable incomes shrink.

An expert from Debt Advisers Direct said: “Many people consider disposable income a luxury that can be spent on ‘unnecessary’ items, but it’s important to remember that disposable income is also a very important buffer against unexpected rises in outgoings.

“For example, if someone depends on their car to get to work, and they have to pay for a £500 repair with only £200 disposable income, that person could be forced into debt in order to make ends meet. That’s why it’s important for people to minimise their outgoings, and make savings where possible.

“The overall situation has become worse over the past year because costs of living, especially energy prices have risen so quickly. Food and other retail products are now falling in price, but energy prices have shown no sign of doing the same – and this continues to push more people towards debt.”

The Debt Advisers Direct spokesperson added that there are a number of debt solutions that can help to minimise outgoings when finances are limited.

“For people with multiple debts, a debt consolidation loan can be spread out across a longer period of time than the original debts, meaning monthly payments are lower,” she said. “Interest rates can also be reduced, especially when consolidating high-APR debts such as credit cards. However if the debt is repaid over a longer period, the additional interest from this can counteract some of the savings made.

“For debts that are becoming unmanageable, a debt management can help. It involves arranging to repay creditors in smaller amounts, based on how much the person in debt can afford, over a longer period of time.

“As always, we advise anyone looking to tackle their debts to seek professional debt advice beforehand.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Following the first rise in consumer confidence since December 2007, debt management company Gregory Pennington have said that while this may bode well for the health of the economy in some respects, it is by no means a sure sign of economic recovery, and consumers should not be complacent about their finances in the coming months

Following the announcement from Nationwide Building Society that consumer confidence has improved for the first time since December 2007, debt management company Gregory Pennington commented that this is an encouraging sign that the Government’s recent actions aimed towards economic recovery may be working, but warned consumers that difficult times may still lie ahead – and those facing financial worries, particularly debt problems, should tackle those issues as soon as possible.

Nationwide’s overall Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose 8% in the month, bringing the index up from 51 in September to 55 in October. Most significantly, this is the first rise since December last year – a sign that some form of economic recovery could be on the horizon, possibly as a result of the recent Government bank bailout scheme.

The number of people who thought the economy would be performing better in six months time almost doubled from 14% in September to 27% in October.

However, Nationwide’s figures showed slightly less optimistic opinions amongst consumers regarding the current state of the economy: three quarters (75%) of those questioned believed the current economic situation is bad, compared with two thirds (66%) in September.

A spokesperson for debt management company Gregory Pennington said that increased consumer confidence for the future is encouraging, but added that consumer confidence should not be confused with expert’s predictions.

“The Consumer Confidence Index is to do with how people feel,” she said. “It’s likely that consumer confidence has improved on the back of the recent Government bank bailout scheme, as well as cuts in the base rate. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we are much more likely to avoid any of the issues highlighted by economists in recent months.

“On the one hand, consumer confidence is very important for the economy and could be pivotal in terms of how soon and how quickly the economy recovers. When consumer confidence is high, people are more willing to spend their money and less inclined to save, therefore pumping more cash into the economy and maintaining a healthy cycle. Conversely, when consumer confidence is low, less money flows through the economy – and that puts the economy at risk of recession.

“The Consumer Confidence Index is a reasonable indicator of how the economy could fare in the coming months, as long as attitudes remain the same. But it doesn’t tackle the underlying issues that continue to threaten the economy – issues which could cause consumer confidence to fall back down.”

The spokesperson added that even though consumer confidence on the whole is recovering, there are many people facing financial hardship due to fast-rising inflation over the past year, many of whom find themselves struggling with debt.

“We have been through an unusual situation for the economy over the past year, in which affordable living costs suddenly became unaffordable for many households,” she said. “The sharp rises in food, energy and petrol prices have prompted many people to cut back, but many people who were already stretched financially may have been forced into debt in order to make ends meet.

“We advise anyone who finds themselves struggling with debt to seek professional debt advice. The right form of debt management could help to bring down monthly outgoings and really relieve the pressure on those hardest-pressed by the financial crisis.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

M&S Money urge pet owners to ensure household medication is securely stored following increase in reports of pet poisonings

M&S Money has urged pet owners to ensure medication is securely stored around the house following a large increase in reports of pet poisonings.

The potentially fatal mishap is a growing problem across the UK, with a 34% year-on-year increase in reported cases to Vetfone – a 24-hour advice line available to M&S Pet Insurance customers. Vetfone is manned by qualified veterinary nurses who can give concerned animal lovers immediate advice on a pet’s condition. Around 70% of calls to the service by M&S Money customers are made out of normal veterinary hours.

One of the major increases of poisonings seen involves nicotine-based products, including nicotine patches, chewing gum and inhalers.

The toxic dose of nicotine in dogs is five milligrams per pound pet bodyweight and a dose of 10mg/lb can be lethal. While a cigarette contains 15-25 milligrams of nicotine, nicotine patches can contain much more at between 8-114 milligrams of nicotine and even nicotine inhalers contain around 10 milligrams of nicotine. Signs of toxicity are dose-dependent and include tremors, weakness, depression and vomiting.

Vetfone Operations Manager & Senior Emergency Vet Nurse, Louise O’Dwyer, said:”It is very concerning that there has been such a large increase in reported pet poisonings.

“Nicotine poisoning can be particularly serious. Remember prevention is better than cure, so ensure products such as cigarettes, nicotine patches and gums and even ashtrays containing cigarette butts are kept away from your pets reach.”

M&S Money Insurance Manager, Judith Roberts, said: “Anyone who suspects that their pet has swallowed household medication should first try and identify what’s been eaten, by recovering packaging such as blister packs or boxes and then seek immediate veterinary advice.

“M&S Pet Insurance policyholders can rest assured that a qualified veterinary expert is available round the clock to provide advice and answer questions should a pet become unwell.”

About M&S Money

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc. The company is now a top ten credit card provider and the second largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations with over 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

The company employs 1,200 staff at its headquarters in Chester, delivering personal financial services to its customers, reflecting the core values of Marks & Spencer – quality, value, service, innovation and trust.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Think Money have welcomed the Bank of England’s shock base rate cut to 3%, commenting that the mortgage market could benefit as a result

Following the Bank of England’s shock base rate cut to 3%, financial solutions company Think Money have welcomed the news, commenting that firm action is more likely to encourage banks to consider cutting their interest rates accordingly. However, they added, there are still some factors that may prevent lenders from passing on the full 1.5% cut to their mortgages and loans.

The base rate cut, from 4.5% to 3%, is the biggest cut since the Bank of England lowered the rate by 2% in 1981. The base rate now stands at its lowest point since 1955.

Many economists had predicted an aggressive cut in base rates, but the extent of the cut was still unexpected. Most predictions in the run-up to the Bank of England’s announcement pointed towards a 0.75% or 1% base rate cut – and only a few days previously, 0.5% seemed a more realistic figure.

A spokesperson for financial solutions company Think Money said: “It would seem that the Bank of England are acting based on Mervyn King’s recent statements that the recession would be long and drawn-out, and rather than take the base rate down in small increments, they have ‘bitten the bullet’ and taken it down further than most people expected.

“Potentially, it’s very good news for people and businesses looking for loans, but not such good news for savers.”

However, the spokesperson stressed that as with previous base rate cuts, there is no guarantee that lenders will pass the full cut onto their mortgages and loans – although the extent of the cut could at least increase the impact on lenders’ behaviour.

“There will still be a lot of uncertainty with regards to what will happen in the economy in the future, as well as some apprehension amongst banks as to how much they might lose from things like defaults on mortgages as the recession takes hold,” she said.

“The base rate cut only affects how cheaply lenders can borrow funds from the Bank of England. It does not directly affect the LIBOR rate, which is the measure of how expensive inter-bank lending is. Since lenders rely heavily on borrowing from each other to fund their loans and mortgages, they may well be slow to bring their rates down.

“That said, the Bank of England will have no doubt had this in mind when deciding on their base rate cut – and it may well be that such a large cut is sufficient to encourage some lenders to bring their rates down to more competitive levels.”

However, a number of banks appeared to take defensive action even before the 3% base rate had been announced, with several lenders removing tracker mortgages from their product ranges on Wednesday and Thursday morning, while others upped their interest rate margins on tracker mortgages.

“This may just be a temporary measure by lenders in order to avoid any risks in the short term,” the Think Money spokesperson said. “A number lenders have said they will be taking some time to think about their next step, so it’s possible that we will still see some significant interest rate cuts in the next week or two.”

The spokesperson was also keen to emphasise the importance of good mortgage advice. “With so much uncertainty surrounding what will happen with mortgage rates in the next few months, it often pays to speak to a mortgage adviser who understands the market. They should be able to point you towards the best mortgage deals for your circumstances, which could save you a lot of money in the long run.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Loans Market Could Still See A Recovery Over The Next Few Months If The Bank Bailout Scheme Is Implemented Successfully

Following a week that saw perhaps the strongest signs yet that the economy is about to enter a recession, coupled with warnings from Bank of England Governor Mervyn King and Prime Minister Gordon Brown that a recession is very likely, financial solutions company Think Money have said that the loans market could still see signs of recovery in the coming months, so long as the Government’s bank bailout scheme is implemented successfully.

Recession fears hit a new high as figures from the National Office for Statistics showed the first drop in economic output in 16 years between July and September this year. Output fell by 0.5%, exceeding economists’ predictions.

If the British economy records another fall in output in the fourth quarter of 2008, it will be officially considered a recession – although many experts, such as the Ernst & Young ITEM Club, have expressed the opinion that we are already in a recession.

And at a meeting of business leaders at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, Bank of England Governor Mervyn King said in a speech: “it now seems likely that the economy is entering a recession.”

Regarding the market for loans, King commented: “We now face a long, slow haul to restore lending to the real economy, and hence growth of our economy, to more normal conditions.”

But a spokesperson for Think Money said that it is not the end of the road for the loans market. “It’s logical to assume that it may become more difficult on the whole to obtain loans, mortgages and other forms of credit – but that doesn’t mean it will be impossible to obtain loans for the duration of the recession.

“The Government’s bank bailout scheme is aimed at stimulating the market for personal loans as well as business loans, and the cash injections should give lenders increased confidence in their ability to offer loan products. The falling LIBOR rate is a good indicator that, in the short term at least, this has been working.

“It’s important to remember that financial institutions depend on interest from loans as a source of income, so lenders will have to remain as competitive as they can be in that respect.”

The Think Money spokesperson added that both secured and unsecured loans should be available in some capacity. “Lenders will feel more confident offering secured loans, as they are backed up by assets which act as a potential ‘guarantee’ to the lender,” she said. “In this respect, lender confidence isn’t so much as an issue as the lack of liquidity, which should hopefully improve with the bailout scheme, as well as any future base rate cuts.

“Unsecured loans may prove a little more difficult for consumers to obtain than secured loans, as they are often perceived as ‘higher risk’ by lenders, but it will still be very much possible – it may just take longer to find the right deal.

And the spokesperson was keen to emphasise the importance of loans advice in times of economic difficulty. “Speaking to a professional loans adviser can often make the difference when it comes to finding the best loan deals,” she commented.

“A loans adviser will talk through your financial situation in confidence, and will advise you on what you can expect in terms of the type of loan, interest rates, and the amount you can borrow. Once they have done that, they will be able to search the market for you, saving you valuable time and effort, and hopefully meaning you will end up with a loan that suits your needs.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Debt Management Company Gregory Pennington Have Said That Now Is A More Important Time Than Ever For Consumers To Get Their Finances In Order And Tackle Any Existing Debt Problems

Following Bank of England Governor Mervyn King’s announcement that the British economy is entering a recession, debt management company Gregory Pennington have warned that financial hardship is likely to be widespread in the coming months, adding that the public should aim to get their finances in order and tackle any debts as a matter of priority.

Speaking at a business conference on Tuesday, Mervyn King told business leaders that the economy faces a “sharp and prolonged slowdown”, perpetuated by smaller take home salaries, soaring living costs and limited access to consumer credit.

“We now face a long, slow haul to restore lending to the real economy, and hence growth of our economy, to more normal conditions,” he also said.

On a more positive note, King said that some of the factors causing inflation had “shifted decisively”, putting less pressure on the Bank of England to actively control inflation and instead giving them time to address other factors, particularly the cost of consumer lending.

And addressing those concerned about many lenders’ reluctance to pass on the Bank of England’s recent base rate cut, King offered his assurance that the cuts would eventually have an effect, but said: “It will take time before the [bank bailout] leads to a resumption of normal levels of lending.”

A spokesperson for Gregory Pennington warned of the dangers that consumers face as a recession approaches. “One of the biggest dangers is unemployment. Since there will be less money flowing through the economy, businesses will suffer, and many will be forced to make job cuts as a result – which restarts the same cycle.

“We may also see the availability of credit take a further hit, as lenders will be wary that the borrowers may be at a higher risk of losing their jobs than usual. However, the Bank of England are doing their best to ensure that cash flow within banks improves, so it remains to be seen how lenders will react to that as things progress.

“What we can be sure of is that it’s essential for the public to address any financial problems they may have, particularly when it comes to debt. Debt is a burden at any time, but carrying debts during such an uncertain time for the economy can be very worrying.

“If borrowers miss payments, the creditors may pursue the whole debts, which can lead to court action and even bankruptcy if they are unable to comply.”

The Gregory Pennington spokesperson said that there a number of debt solutions that could help people repay their debts and limit the pressure on their finances as the economy enters a recession.

“For people with multiple debts, a debt consolidation loan can help,” she said. “Debt consolidation involves taking out a new loan to cover your existing debts, meaning you only have one creditor to repay.

“Payments can often be reduced by spreading them over a longer period, although you can pay more interest in the long run. Interest rates can also potentially be reduced, especially if you are consolidating high-APR debts such as credit cards – but be aware that if you have extended your repayment period, the additional interest incurred can reduce the benefit of a lower interest rate.

“For more unmanageable debts, a debt management plan may be your better option. If you do this through an expert debt adviser, they will assess how much you can realistically afford to repay each month. After that, they will negotiate with your creditors for lower monthly payments and possibly a freeze in interest or other charges.

“For more significant debts of £15,000 or more, an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) might be more appropriate. This involves making monthly payments over a period of five years, based on how much you can afford. Once that five-year period is over, your remaining debts will be considered settled.

“However be aware that an IVA requires approval from creditors responsible for at least 75% of your debts, and you may be required to release some of the equity tied up in your home in the fourth year of your IVA.

“Before you make any decisions, it’s important to seek independent debt help. A debt adviser will talk you through your situation and will be able to establish which debt solution is right for you.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Financial Solutions Provider Think Money Has Welcomed The Bank Of England’s Recent Move To Enhance Liquidity By Accepting A Broader Range Of Loans And Other Assets As Collateral For Loans To Banks

Responding to the Bank of England’s recent changes to its policy regarding collateral, mortgage provider Think Money welcomes the move and looks forward to the increased levels of liquidity it should provide.

On 3rd October 2008, the Bank of England announced that it would expand the range of assets it deems acceptable collateral for the loans it grants to financial institutions. The range, according to the Bank of England website, now includes ‘AAA-rated asset-backed securities of some corporate and consumer loans; and approved highly-rated, asset-backed commercial paper programmes, where the underlying assets would be eligible if securitised’.

This action, the website continues, ‘is addressed to the ongoing strains in term funding markets, and adds highly-rated corporate securitisations to the residential mortgage securities that are already eligible’.

“At Think Money, we welcome this change,” said a spokesperson for the financial solutions provider. “While some may feel alarmed that the Bank of England felt such a move necessary, it’s nonetheless reassuring to note that the institution is taking such action before the financial situation deteriorates further.

The current lack of liquidity is a cause of great concern for everyone in the UK, from individuals to banks, mortgage providers and other institutions. “Without a constant, reliable flow of credit, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to carry out their plans, whether it’s a case of a company pursuing a business opportunity or an individual securing a mortgage, remortgage or loan.

“So we’re encouraged to see the Bank taking decisive steps such as this. Banks and other financial institutions own massive amounts of debt these days, from mortgage debt to overdraft debt, so it’s both limiting and frustrating when they can’t use them as collateral, as it’s one of the cornerstones of today’s lending activities.”

According to the Market Notice published on October 3rd, The Bank of England ‘will continue to hold extended collateral three-month long-term repo open market operations (OMOs) weekly up to and including the scheduled long-term repo operation on 18 November’, which suggests that it sees no immediate end to today’s unusual market conditions.

Furthermore, it states that ‘The size of the funds offered at the Bank’s extended collateral long-term repo operation on Tuesday 7 October will be £40 billion’.

Yet despite the size of the operation, the spokesperson for the financial solutions company stressed, it’s important to note that this is no act of desperation. “In the light of the ‘bailout’ recently approved in the USA, it’s important to realise that this move by no means invites lenders to put forward‘toxic’ mortgage debts as collateral. The Bank of England may have broadened the range of assets it sees as acceptable, but it is not prepared to accept any form of collateral which isn’t of sufficiently high quality.”

Furthermore, the Bank of England is exercising a suitable degree of caution: “The Bank may be accepting a greater variety of assets as collateral,” the Think Money spokesperson concluded, “but it’s also valuing them correspondingly and offering, to quote the Financial Times, ‘as little as 60p in the pound for some foreign currency mortgage-backed securities’.”

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases